Iniabasi (Ini) Nkanga Mitchell, Board Chair (She/Her)
At the same time I was questioning how I could make a bigger impact in our community, Angel came to me with an incredible idea, a seed that could forever change the entrepreneur ecosystem. Little did I know how much she would trust me to help cultivate it and what it would grow into. I saw dreams watered with tears of gratitude because a Founder finally found someone who believed in their vision and helped them to realize it. I witnessed the determination and integrity of a leader who never compromised the values that she used to lay the very foundation that helped their dreams bloom. In the midst of it all, I ended up forever changed by this experience. It nurtured my purpose and allowed me to reimagine my own story – one in which I could extend my reach in a community that is so important to me.
I will always treasure my time as Board Chair. I had the pleasure of working alongside so many wonderful people who helped me learn more about myself and the world around us, who came together and supported each other in championing a cause, one that became dear to all our hearts. Led By TRUTH is more than a business; it is about understanding purpose and living in alignment with your values. It is the key to strengthening people and the communities that they work and live in. Led By TRUTH is legacy – yours, mine, and those who come after us.
Essence Jones, Board Secretary (She/Her)
Throughout my journey, I have been deeply committed to the mission of serving others and fostering environments where individuals can truly thrive. My role as a board member of Led by TRUTH has been particularly fulfilling, as the organization is dedicated to promoting a vision of prosperity specifically for People of Color. This alignment with my values has provided me with a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.
In this capacity, I work alongside a passionate group of individuals who share a common goal: to empower our communities through comprehensive support systems. We focus not just on immediate needs, but also on long-term wealth-building strategies and resources that facilitate growth and uplift the voices of those we serve.
I take great pride in my involvement with Led by TRUTH, as it allows me to actively participate in initiatives that build community connections, offer vital resources, and establish networks of support. Together, we strive to create a landscape where every member of our community has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and flourish.
Laura Randgaard, Board Treasurer (She/Her)
Serving on the Board of Directors for Led by Truth has been a privilege. As I reflect on my tenure, I am immensely proud of the profound impact that Led by Truth has had on our community and beyond. Our steadfast commitment to promoting access to support, encourage, and community connection has truly transformed lives and impacted the entrepreneur ecosystem. One of the aspects I am most proud of is our successful initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting founders of color. Through our unique approach and programming, we met founders where they are and helped them achieve their goals and build capability. Witnessing the tangible change and growth in these communities has been a rewarding experience and a testament to the power of centering the needs of those you serve.
On a personal level, serving on the board has been a transformative experience. The collaborative environment our Board Chair and CEO created allowed for free exchange of ideas and perspectives. The experience validated the importance of listening, empathy, and steadfast commitment to our core values. In conclusion, my time with Led by Truth has been a chapter of profound growth and impactful work. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization dedicated to making a difference.
Essence Shabazz, Board Member (She/Her)
I was given then opportunity to be apart of led by truth board after receiving mentorship from the program. It was very enlightening to see all that goes into a non profit but especially one that caters to the BIPOC community. The need for LED BY TRUTH was crucial because it was a safe space for entrepreneurs to grow and understand business at their own pace.
Watching Angel connect with so many people and place people in the right rooms made me feel proud to be apart of a non profit that not only helped me but many people like me. Something that I will never forget being on the board is how hard it was to secure or receive money on time or if at all. It was difficult to understand but Led By Truth kept going. Continuing to provide time and services to entrepreneurs regardless of what the org faced behind the scenes.
One of the highlights about being on the board was seeing the constant growth of LBT financially and physically with the relationships of entrepreneurs. The bonds & knowledge will always remain. The impact Led By Truth has made is real and will forever be apart of my story.
Realization of Identify
Angel Even grew up as the Black adopted daughter to white parents in a small community in Minnesota. As a child, Angel always stood out in the crowd due to her skin color, yet she went unnoticed when it came to who she actually was. Angel's first experience with racism came at the age of 5 when she was called the N-word repeatedly throughout kindergarten. At such a young age, she learned that the color of her skin deemed her unacceptable and unworthy in the community that she called home. This prolonged exposure to colorism in her own community created an internal conflict within her; having her skin compared to burnt toast made her feel undesirable, pushing her away from self-acceptance. Angel strove to prove herself instead through every effort she put forth, particularly education. Being good was not an option, she had to go above and beyond to make up for what she saw as her shortcoming: her Blackness. Those around her often told Angel she was the exception to the rule: she was so “well spoken,” friendly and hard working. Being called an exception always left Angel with a bad taste in her mouth; why was she considered the "exception" when surface-level interactions couldn't come close to understanding a person's soul?
Seeking Pursuit of Recognition
Continuing her pursuit to prove herself, Angel became the first in her family to graduate college, and she purchased her first home at age 20. Her drive to further her education continued through a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration. Even while she worked at top healthcare organizations, her professional successes did not help her escape the microaggressions that tormented her throughout childhood. She soon found out that her confidence was deemed aggressive, her voice was too outspoken, there were no additional seats at the table, and she was seen as nothing more than a worker bee who must stay in her place in the system. These constant reminders only pushed her to exceed expectations. She led regional and systemic initiatives when others doubted her capabilities, and she took credit for her accomplishments while being told to wait patiently for advancement opportunities. That time never came. She was overlooked, underappreciated, and overworked. Angel honed her consulting skills to help departments and teams transform their processes and their cultures, yet she still experienced being talked down to- her experiences and skills always in question. Whether it was within her personal or professional life, racism, microaggressions, and constant ignorant experiences always managed to trickle into her day.
Self Acceptance of Worth
Angel had enough of having to justify herself, having to provide evidence or facts based on her experience of racism to explain others’ perception of her life experience, and she was tired of being good enough to take on massive work and responsibility, but not good enough to elevate herself in the system. No more waiting patiently; if the system won't change, she committed to paving a new path to allow for change to occur. The first step is acceptance: “I am a strong, intelligent, successful, hard working Black woman, and I am NOT an exception to the rule. I will be heard, I will be seen, and my truth will lead me on this journey of inspiration!”